Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM AutoFocus Telephoto Lens - Refurbished

2020-02-26T19:00:00

I use this lens for nature photography and aircraft. It’s incredibly sharp – I’ve never seen a lens this sharp even wide open which defies lens logic. It’s also extremely lightweight and not too thick so it’s very easy to handle and maneuver. In Houston it’s usually bright so no IS isn’t a problem- just use good long lens technique. If I need to zoom I use my 100-400L otherwise I stick with this. Also I love the built-in hood and kind of like the fact that it doesn’t have IS – less expensive and nothing to go wrong.

GSL007

Originally posted at

2020-01-21T19:00:00

This was my first plunge into the telephoto lens world and I could not be happier. I bought this lens about one year ago along with the Canon 7d Mk. II and have achieved stunning results. Do not let the absence of IS stop you from trying this lens out, its worth every penny

Billiam

Originally posted at

2019-09-22T20:00:00

Bought about 5 yrs ago, it never fails to deliver!

Scott C.

Originally posted at

2018-07-12T20:00:00

First big lens purchases. I absolutely love this lens. Crisp pictures. Fits on my Canon 80D as well as my Rebel t6. Taking it to Africa to capture images of The Great Migration in August!

Justagirl

Originally posted at

2015-07-24T20:00:00

I purchased the 400mm f/5.6L USM lens for photography of birds in flight. It can be hand held without a problem as to clarity. However, I was a little disappointed with the distance because I got the same shot with my 55-250mm lens.

I R.

Originally posted at

2015-04-23T20:00:00

This lens is truly amazing! The images are SO sharp!

SN2

Originally posted at

2015-01-03T19:00:00

The Canon EF 400mm (Prime) is a true delight. This is my first Super Telephoto lens from Canon, I absolutely love this lens. I will never sell this lens because it is really that good. 1) The build quality is absolutely superb and built like a mini tank. Extremely durable. The white/cream, black and red line color scheme looks like a space aged telescope; very impressive design. Absolutely no slack, every screw and mechanism is tight and right. The built-in lens hood is very convenient for a lens of this magnitude, which extends outward even further making the EF 400mm look like a 'rifle scope' of sorts. 2) The AF is very fast but can get 'confused' if you have multiple subjects like branches and trees for wildlife photography. I just switch it to MF mode, and use the focus ring. 3) Shots come out very clean and crisp even at F/5.6 even without IS 4) I even use the 2x tele-converter, despite losing two stops of light, dealing with now F/11.2 (or 12) and managing camera shake, shots still come out very good, not the best, but really good at now 800mm!!! You can use a tripod for more stability. 5) Compared to other Super Telephoto lenses, this is very lightweight, but may still cause some neck strain with camera strap. I tend to hold both camera and lenses with one hand. This is a great Super Telephoto lens to add to your collection!

Lionheart

Originally posted at

2014-09-15T20:00:00

its fast in focus lite enough to hand carry with out a monopod. very sharp works well with my 70D rounds out my lens kit for long reach great for travel.

james

Originally posted at

2014-08-15T20:00:00

Just took delivery of this lens and went out to the lake for some test photos. Also with my photos of the day I used Canon's 1.4x III extender. Admittedly, BIF images are often hit and miss. However, I did manage to get some superb images at the 560mm range using a 5DIII, and hand held. Too bad I cannot include a photo for your review, but suffice to say, the lens exceeds my expectations. Its well worth the money. You won't be disappointed.

Troutbum

Originally posted at

2013-09-23T20:00:00

This lens has to be one of the best values at or above 300mm. My first long telephoto and I still use it. No IS and no big aperture, but in daylight you can get some great images. I've captured a number of dragonfly with this lens and honestly I wouldn't use anything else. If I asked canon to change anything about this lens it would be to have a little closer focus. I've thought about having IS on it but honestly one of the reasons it is so sharp is that it does not have too many elements. With modern high ISO/low noise bodies, I think I can live without IS on this lens - it's not too heavy and the most hand-holdable of the super telephotos.

taylorphototexas

Originally posted at

2013-01-29T19:00:00

I have been owning this lens for the last two years. It's mated to my 7D for bird photography and I have absolutely no regrets. It's a delight to own. Initially I used to use it only on a tripod (since it doesn't come with IS. But since January 2012 I have done away with the tripod for shots of 1/125 or faster shutter speeds. It is so light that one can carry it effortlessly and is great particularly for birds in flight shots. My only grouse is that it has too long a minimum focusing distance. You can push a switch and reduce it somewhat from 8.5 m to 3.5 but that comes at the cost of focusing speed. At 3.5 m focusing speed is fairly slow. This results in missed opportunities for those rare moments when a bird perches close to you. For day long trips in the wilderness, it is best to carry the camera/lens as a sling rather than round your neck. I might one day graduate to a 500 or even 600 mm lens but I don't see myself parting with this lens ever. It is great for shooting from situations where a tripod is impractical - for example from a small rocking country boat !!

Calcuttan

Originally posted at

2012-11-22T19:00:00

I have owned and used this lens for about 5 years now and it is almost always on my camera! Sure, it is a bit heavy, but I have no problem walking around all day with it on my camera around my neck. I do a lot of Eagle and wildlife photography, so this lens is a fantastic tool! This lens produces Razor sharp images at every setting from f5.6 to f/32 if you have enough light and a steady hand of tripod. Even indoors at wide open aperture and slow shutter speeds I have been able to take amazing portraits from a distance during Orchestra Concerts using stage lighting. I would and do Highly Recommend this lens to everyone!

grandpawrichard

Originally posted at

2012-11-08T19:00:00

This is one fine lens. For those wishing to photograph birds this is the lens to start with and keep on using for a long time. With the smaller crop factor sensors on the Rebel series just put the camera on the lens and never take it off.This lens becomes the equivalent of a 640 mm lens on these smaller sensor cameras. For the price and quality, the 400 mm/5.6 is unparalleled. Auto-focus capture is quick and accurate. The only drawback to this lens is that it doesn't have image stabilization, but you really don't need it. The images are tack sharp. This is the best bird lens for the money on the market today.

River R.

Originally posted at

2012-06-01T20:00:00

I love photographing birds, and without spending several thousand dollars, this looked like the best lens for a Canon owner. I'm very pleased with the fit and finish, but especially with the sharpness. Some photos I have taken of eagles look sharp until I enlarge to the point of seeing individual pixels. That sharpness, along with the fact I already own a 70-200 mm f/4.0 lens made me choose the prime lens over the 100 - 400 mm zoom. Obviously, the shortcoming of this lens is the relatively small aperture along with lack of Image Stabilization. This makes it need high iso settings or a tripod even in late afternoon light, in order to get sharp images. One surprise for me was that the contrast detection focus in live view mode is exceptionally accurate and it works even with a 1.4 X extender which gives me a 560 mm f/8.0 lens. While phase-detection auto-focus won't work at apertures smaller than f/5.6 for most Canon bodies, the contrast detection autofocus, which is active in live view mode, will - it's very good. It's also very slow, so it works well if your subject is not moving around. I'm having great fun with this lens and am delighted with my purchase. The obvious upgrade is for Canon to produce something similar and affordable with the latest generation if IS which would greatly extend the conditions where this lens is useful.

Ted

Originally posted at

2012-02-23T19:00:00

I would rather own a EF 400mm f2.8 IS ll USM, however then I won't get my new motorcycle. Every thing TommyP said and more. I also shoot motorcycle racing and this lens is great. It is light weight as compared to the above lens and is about as sharp as you will see in this price range at 400mm. Just look at the MTF published here. What you see is what you get. The only issue is that for use with the 1.4X convertor you loose auto focus on all but the 1D series ( wow, then I definitely would not get my bike). Shot some bike races after a 30 year hiatus and the results were nothing less than spectacular.Crisp, clear, no CA and detail was extremely fine even at ISO 400. Shot at 400mm to retain auto focus, you just have to get closer. Great landscape lens when you can't get close. Good with birds with the 1.4X (560mm) except for manual focus the results remain tack sharp. Have shot with 2X (first version Canon) and results were very sharp. At this focal length (800mm) there are many other factors to control which affect sharpness. Manual focus is an advantage when shooting nesting birds. If you use this lens within its limitations you will be ultra satisfied, however if you are expecting it to be the lens I mentioned earlier go out and get yourself a motorcycle: you will be far less disappionted. Please remember my listed cons are limitations and not detractions. Owned since 2004.

Canonfodder

Originally posted at

2012-01-19T19:00:00

I bought this lens around 4 years ago. I use it mainly for Air Shows and Motor Sport events. I have used a number of other similar lenses and still find this the one to use. With its lightning fast focus and stunningly sharp image quality it makes using it seemingly a doddle. I have tried the 500mm f4 lens and could not manage hand held, the 400mm is just about right in my opinion and I have never used monopod or tripod. Handholding is very easy making it very versatile and portable (compared to other super telephotos). Cannot really think of many cons with this lens other than it being 5.6 and not performing quite as well in low light but thats what you get for the money. IS would be nice but again this lens would be out of my price range if it had it. I have not really had any problems without it at all. If there was only one lens I could have, it would be this one.

TommyP

Originally posted at

2011-12-04T19:00:00

I purchased this solely because of the price and needing a longer zoom than my 70-200 2.8. I was shooting pro baseball, and purchased the lens 2 days before my trip. This lens beyond my expectations! The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that it is a little lighter than I like making it more unstable in light wind. The optics are great, and the pictures were wonderful. It truly is a great lens, and for the price you just can not beat it! It shoots well in action sports like baseball and football with fast auto focus. It performed well in night games under stadium lights, even at only being a 5.6. The tripod mount on the lens I purchased seems to come loose easily, but I got used to it quickly and haven't had it become an issue. Overall, the best lens long zoom lens for the money anywhere. I highly recommend it to anyone that does not absolutely require a 2.8. Thanks Canon for another home run! Now, can I try a 1200mm f4 or 5.6 anytime in the future??

EagleMedic

Originally posted at

2011-09-20T20:00:00

This was one of my first two Lenses I purchased 4 years ago with my Body only XTi, and has given me excellent Moon shots and Long range shots from cliffs over looking Rivers and Lakes. Put an Extender on this and you'll see what a man is eating on a Barge from a great distance with great clarity. I mostly use it with a Tri-Pod to get the best shot and since I've added a remote it is even better. But of course I didn't have all this at first and still got great photo's, but as you go along you learn what to do in taking better Photo's as read and continue to learn in photography. You just keep learning and want to do better. It is fast and a great long Lens, I have 8 Lenses and use each for a different occasion. I do have the 70-200 f/2.8L IS but makes since to use it for when I'm taking shots with allot of movement plus it doesn't have the range even with the extender, but the 400mm can still be hand held don't get me wrong. Since I have added the 1Ds Mark lll it would just be to much weight to try and use these two products together without a Tri-Pod, I can't believe the shots I'm producing with the 1Ds with the 400mm. This is a great product and I'll never get rid of it.

Dyluck4

Originally posted at

2011-06-25T21:00:00

I debated purchase for months, just used it 10 days and no buyers remorse at all. Photos are tack sharp and color accurate of birds and other wildlife. I love my 70-200 ISll but cropping bird shot left soft image and this lens is much sharper for far off subjects. Would it be better with IS? That adds weight, bulk and price to any lens.I like this lens just the way it is. It's easy to walk/hike/even bike with it on a monopod and it's spectacular on a tripod with cable shutter release. It rained, I draped plastic bag on it and kept it tucked in my rain jacket,no problem. Nice integrated hood very useful.So, that's it, I highly recommend this for outdoor, bird and wildlife shooters.

Pete

2011-03-21T20:00:00

I have owned this lens for over a year now and I absolutely Love it! In fact this lens has been on my camera more than any other L series lens I own lately! This lens is a bit heavy and bulky, but it is a lens that I have been able to hand hold to get spectacular Bald Eagle photos with, even Eagles in flight! Teamed up with a 1.4X L series extender I got some spectacular photos of the latest "Super Moon". The only problem I have had with this lens is that a few months ago I slid the built in lens shade back so that I could store the lens in it's case. The shade stuck back for some reason, so I can't slide it fully forward. If you are looking for a Great Telephoto lens in the 400 mm. size this lens is for you!

grandpawrichard

Originally posted at

2011-01-27T19:00:00

Whether it is sitting in my backyard photographing song birds, in Yellowstone taking photos of the elk in rut, or on safari at Masa Mari in Kenya photographing elephants, this lens has made me extremely happy time and time again. Image quality is superb!! When I was in the market of a L series super zoom I first leaned toward the 100-400mm. It seemed like the popular choice. Then I did some research and found that those owning the prime 400mm were boasting superb imagery. I was a little afraid of having a prime lens and not having range for adjustment. I do own the 70-200mm f/4 and feared not having an option between 200mm and 400mm. My solution? I purchased a second body. I know shoot with both a 30D and 40D. I also purchased an EF 1.4 Converter. When used with my 70-200mm f/4 AF is still fast and accurate. Since the 40D has a few more megapixels than the 30D I use the 70-200mm on the 40D and use the 400mm on my 30D. I always have the 1.4 converter if I need a little more distance with the 70-200mm. If there is one drawback with this lens, for me it is no AF with the 1.4 converter. I dont really care about IS. I am an avid tripod user. Hands down a tripod is the best way to make sure you are stable. If you purchase this lens you will not be disappointed. I expect mine to provide top quality images for many years to come.

Fotosforphun

Originally posted at

2011-01-12T19:00:00

3 years ago, i used it with 40D and I was very glad on tripod and live vieuw. In 2009, I had discovered a better quality with my 5DII. In 2010, I shoot birds in fly with my 1D4 and the AF works perfectly. More the quality of the bodies goes up, more I have pleasure with this lens and less I need IS. When used with the extender EF1.4X III, the chromatic aberration is the half of the EF 1.4X II. After correction of the C.A., the difference of sharpness, between the 2 configurations, is difficult to see.

Panurus b.

Originally posted at

2010-09-19T20:00:00

I second everything positive that was already said on "The Luminous Landscape" about this lens. The comparison with the 100-400 mm zoom is hard to avoid. I have used both lenses. The 400mm is sharper then the 100-400 at the 400mm end and much more lightweight and portable and quicker to use with the built-in lens hood, which should really be a feature of all lenses above 100mm. Yes, the 400mm performs best on a tripod, monopod or stabilized on a bean bag. It is not for images from a moving or idling vehicle! This should be the first lens for a starting bird photographer (the next being the 4/500 IS). It is not "getting old" as one camera magazine classified it. Please Canon, keep it in the line-up, just possibly add IS. A great lens!

alcedo

Originally posted at

2010-08-27T20:00:00

This lens i the most sharp lens i ever had in my hands i use it mainly to shot photos of aeroplanes. The only minus is no IS but for this price it couldnt be better. The autofocus work so fast that it saved many of my pictures which i wouldnt be able to make with slower lens. Thanks Canon for this piece of glass !

Hiflyer

Originally posted at

2010-04-20T20:00:00

I recently traded my 100-400 for a used 400mm f5.6. Have only used it a couple of times but it seems to be much better the the 100-400. Of course I do miss the IS. Since it was used, I didn't get a manuel and apparently a manuel is not available on line from Canon. Does anyone know where I can get my hands on a manuel for this lens?

Snoopy

Originally posted at

2010-03-04T19:00:00

I went back and forth between the 100-400 and the 100 f5.6 and ended up getting the 400. It was a good decision. You can shoot the lens handheld in late afternoon conditions by upping the ISO to 400 or 800 which is no problem on the newer SLR's. Image quality excellent. High percentage of keepers even handheld and a very sharp lens.

Southbird

Originally posted at

2010-03-02T19:00:00

Owned a couple weeks. Use with 7D. Sharp sharp sharp. Small, light. BUT...Does NOT autofocus with 1.4X TC. Bummers. Don't be like me. Do your homework, folks!

Sad H.

Originally posted at

2009-11-25T19:00:00

I do mostly bird photography and used the 100-400 zoom for years, but was never satisfied with the IQ. I was shooting wide-open at 400 most of the time - when that lens is at its weakest. I bought the 500 mm f4 and love it dearly, but it is just to heavy for walk-around birding. After reading a number of reviews I bought the 400 5.6 and couldn't be happier. The IQ IMHO is amazing and rivals the 500. Don't use the extenders (would lose autofocus on the xxD bodies), so it's not for real distance subjects, but I have taken many razor sharp images with this lens and my % keepers is much higher than with the 100-400.

Birdman

Originally posted at

2009-05-16T20:00:00

it doesn't have IS, and 5.6 with a lens this long isn't really suited to hand holding if you don't have daylight, butfor the image quality, I still love it. Pictures are fantastic. The 100-400 beats it for versatility, I wouldn't give up the prime. I too, would like a standard 400 f/4 IS version available, but I'm afraid that given that the front element would have to be larger than 100mm in diameter for an f/4 version, that the price would be significantly more expensive. OTOH, something to save for :)

Colin

Originally posted at

2009-05-03T20:00:00

I had to decide between the 100-400mm and this prime lens. I went with this lens and do not regret a thing. The focus and sharpness are spot on! One small wish is that Canon would have made this an f/4. It can still be a reasonable price. I have the 70-200 f/4 it was reasonable and I love it.

Lobo2006

Originally posted at